'''Werewolves''' were servants of [[Morgoth]], bred in the [[Elder Days]] from [[Wolves|wolf]] and inhabited by dreadful spirits (fallen lesser [[Maiar]] or [[fëar]] of [[Orcs]]).

'''Werewolves''' were servants of [[Morgoth]], bred in the [[Elder Days]] from [[Wolves|wolf]] and inhabited by dreadful spirits (fallen lesser [[Maiar]] or [[fëar]] of [[Orcs]]).

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The first werewolf was [[Draugluin]], and the greatest was [[Carcharoth]], the guardian of [[Angband]], a descendant of Draugluin as all other werewolves were.

The first werewolf was [[Draugluin]], and the greatest was [[Carcharoth]], the guardian of [[Angband]], a descendant of Draugluin as all other werewolves were.

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In the ''[[The Grey Annals|Grey Annals]]'' it is told that "creatures that walked in wolf-shapes" entered [[Beleriand]] in the [[Valian Years|Valian Year]] 1330.<ref>{{GA|26}}, p. 12</ref>

Although not appearing as such in the known written records of [[Arda]] during the [[Second Age|Second]] and [[Third Age|Third]] Ages, Gandalf mentioned the werewolves as being among Sauron's servants in the late Third Age, along with [[orcs]], [[trolls]], [[wargs]], and [[wraiths]].<ref>{{FR|Meetings}}</ref>

Although not appearing as such in the known written records of [[Arda]] during the [[Second Age|Second]] and [[Third Age|Third]] Ages, Gandalf mentioned the werewolves as being among Sauron's servants in the late Third Age, along with [[orcs]], [[trolls]], [[wargs]], and [[wraiths]].<ref>{{FR|Meetings}}</ref>

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==Names==

==Names==

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In [[Sindarin]], werewolves were called ''gaurhoth'' (sing. ''[[gaur]]'').<ref>{{S|Index}}</ref><ref>{{S|Appendix}}</ref> The [[Quenya]] name was ''ñaurō''.<ref>{{PE|19}}, p. 106</ref>

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In [[Sindarin]], werewolves were called ''gaurhoth'' (sing. ''[[gaur]]'').<ref>{{S|Index}}</ref><ref>{{S|Appendix}}</ref> The [[Quenya]] name was ''[[nauro]]''.<ref>{{PE|19}}, p. 106</ref>

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==Inspiration==

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The Middle-earth werewolves were not shapeshifters like the Werewolves of European folk culture.

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The name ''werewolf'' appears to have been chosen because they were in essence sentient (but evil), and thus had a status beyond that of normal wolves. The element "were-" is a Germanic term that refers to humans. It suggests a shapeshifting creature of modern-day folktales such as [[Wikipedia:wererat|wererat]].

:Classified as Undead Beings, the Werewolves are either bred from Wolves or Wargs. They cannot transform themselves into Men, although they can alter shape into being able to stand upright (while remaining Wolf-like).<ref>{{ICE|2012}}, p. 130</ref>

:Classified as Undead Beings, the Werewolves are either bred from Wolves or Wargs. They cannot transform themselves into Men, although they can alter shape into being able to stand upright (while remaining Wolf-like).<ref>{{ICE|2012}}, p. 130</ref>

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[[Category:Werewolves| ]]

[[Category:Werewolves| ]]

[[Category:Wolves]]

[[Category:Wolves]]

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[[Category:Creatures]]

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[[fi:Ihmissudet]]

Revision as of 14:30, 10 July 2012

The name Wolf refers to more than one character, item or concept. For a list of other meanings, see Wolf (disambiguation).

Although not appearing as such in the known written records of Arda during the Second and Third Ages, Gandalf mentioned the werewolves as being among Sauron's servants in the late Third Age, along with orcs, trolls, wargs, and wraiths.[2]

Names

Portrayal in adaptations

Classified as Undead Beings, the Werewolves are either bred from Wolves or Wargs. They cannot transform themselves into Men, although they can alter shape into being able to stand upright (while remaining Wolf-like).[6]